Shirley C. Manno

Shirley C. Manno, 67, of Rockford lost her battle with cancer in her home, with loved ones gathered around her, on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 2:06 p.m. Born on September 13, 1943 in Long Beach, CA the daughter of Albert and Connie (James) Murphy. Shirley moved to Rockford at the age of 4 and was a graduate of Bishop Muldoon High School. Married her loving husband Ron Manno on February 4, 1961. Her life's work consisted of raising a family of four girls and a husband and she did a fabulous job of it. Shirley was a woman of great principle and dedication to what she believed in. She was a loving, caring person and when anyone she knew hurt; she hurt. She dedicated months of taking care of her grandmother when she was very sick. Wherever Shirley went, the Lord and love was with her. She was a dedicated member of Holy Family Catholic Church and volunteered for many functions at the church. Shirley always felt rich with her belief in the Lord, family and treasured and enjoyed every friend she had. She took a great deal of pride and joy being born of Irish decent and her family always took time to have fun with Shirley Murphy, or as Ron liked to call her, "Murph". Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Ron Manno; daughters, Joan M. (fiancé Tom Truax) Bennett, Dawn M. Gille, Lynn M. Manno and Kristine M. (Eric) Sommerfield; grandchildren, Ashleigh Bennett, Amber and Kristine Gille and Kyle Sommerfield; great granddaughter, Kayleigh Johnson; brother, Richard (Kathy) James and niece Jenny James. Preceded in death by her parents and an infant son, Michael R. Manno. Memorial Mass Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Inurnment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL. In lieu of flowers please make donations to an organization that helps women and children. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel is assisting the family.